MamaTene

I (like ALOT of folks evidently) thought the prices as published on May 1 were to be the prices thru the month of May but obviously not so. In RCCL defense, nowhere did it say that was the case. Regardless, glad we booked right away as the price for our sailing on Independence has been changing almost daily.

So If I understand this correctly, the BOGOHA is in effect until 5/31 BUT the base price for the cabin pp seems to be adjusting often thus changing the amount of savings actually realized. Those who booked early on the most popular ships seem to have gotten the best deals as those are the same ships that are seeing the increase in the base price.

Yep..got the BOGOHO rate, along with a hefty OBC from our agent and other perks as the agents are all accompanying us on this sailing. Just was so surprised to see the rate go up so significantly so soon after the sale began.

Is this sale only good thru end of May? We booked an OS last week on the Independence of the Seas 10/25/15 sailing and as of this morning price has increased over $600.

Independence of the Seas Oct 25, 2015. Booked thru agency that is sponsoring and accompanying clients who booked this sailing. First Owners Suite for us! $3900 TOTAL includes all fees and taxes. OVER $2500 savings. Couldn't pass up the deal as we KNOW we will never see rates like this again coupled with the extra 250 OBC provided by the agency (not RCCL). They are also providing number of private events while on board.

32 more hump days for me. 2 cruises booked after retirement. Feb 7-17, 2015 Royal Princess and Oct 25-Nov 1, 2015 Independence of the Seas. Booked OWNERS SUITE for Independence!

OS we booked for the Oct 25, 2015 sailing went up over $500. Glad we got in when and booked when we did! Group rates we recvd ended up being pretty much 2 for 1 instead of BOGOHO ....truly amazing!

Same thing going on for agency group cruise planned for Oct of 15. Agency notified of change in pricing today. Honoring initial pricing for their clients who book thru tomorrow. After that new pricing applies. Nothing agency can do..RCCL has the control

We are currently booked into L227 which is the first mini suite starboard side..6th cabin from the open deck area where Prego, Mermaids Tail and Trident Grill are located. One of the main reason we booked here is for the close proximity to the deck area as we like to sit outside in evening and heard the balcony space outside of the cabin is extremely limited.

Right now we are in standard mini suite but REALLY looked closely at the Premium mini suites all the way forward. They are category M6 and are larger inside as well as balcony but just couldn't quite justify the addl cost. Maybe the upgrade fairy will grace us with one of those if they are still available closer we get to sailing

Sailing in Feb and most of our group booked cabins on Lido. Those of you who have already experienced these cabins, was your experience positive for the most part? Enjoy the close proximity to the pools and Horizon court? Too loud with all the action?

34 more HUMP days for me til retirement!

That's my take as well. Being aware of a custom and willfully choosing to ignore it on the basis of its not how one does it in their own country is, at best, a lame excuse for proud cheapness if not absurd arrogance. I grew up going to a laid-back church where shorts and sandals were fine; if I go somewhere where that is not acceptable, I adapt. I don't spout off how its not my custom.

BRAVO for saying what sooo many of us are thinking!!!!

34 more HUMP days for me til retirement. I CAN do this!!!!!!!!!!!!

TODAY is hubby Tom's last day of work. HAPPY RETIREMENT!!!!!!!!!!!

Seems to me you are dealing with a small company that mirrors the pricing that the cruise line offers with little to no quirks. I myself have sailed all the major lines and agent I have consistently used has afforded me pricing WELL below that which the cruise line shows as the rate as well as OBC, coupon books to be used on cruise and even small gifts specifically from the agency and so noted like wine with dinner, choc covered strawberries that looked like they were dressed in tuxes delvd to cabin etc

I just sent you a friend request Andrea...Chris Scarpitti Bobich Bloomer...I personally don't think that TA you have found is doing much of anything. Honestly there are so many great deals out there to be found and some of the very best agents too..many of which are via the internet.

OBC is Onboard Credit. Usually afforded by the TA for use as you please while onboard. Perchance jdrager, do you have Facebook account? Also, which ship are you specifically looking at to cruise and what date?

Considering that your daughters are 7 and 9, the "facts" as recalled of what happened and what they did are a bit unreliable. If you sincerely are concerned and just want some clarification, contact their father directly. If you are just trying to stir up trouble (as soooo many ex's do) PLEASE consider the general well being of the children and move on.

Look at Princess. They have some great sailings during the time frame you are specifically looking at. Grand Suite SHOULD be big enough but I STILL say go with two rooms..balcony cabins next to each other I prefer.

You DO need to move on this though as sailings on those dates are filling up fast. Good luck!

Going to go out ON MY 65th bday Dec 18th instead of waiting til Feb 27. I have had enough. Got sick with acute viral bronchitis and missed this whole week of work. DONE worrying about how much sick time left, if I have any vacation unscheduled and the stress of all the stuff going on at work and me not being there. SOOOOO DONE with all of it! COME ON DECEMBER!!!

For those of you who were able to retire before the Medicare kicked in at age 65, am I to surmise you all had insurance that carried over from your jobs or did you have to buy insurance? Reason hubby and I working til 66 and 65 respectively is to have the Medicare for primary and of course have to buy a supplement for secondary coverage.

46 more HUMP DAYS for me. Course I have LOTS of vacation weeks and personal time to use up during that time and holidays as well so it doesn't seem soooo far away!

Reviews, no matter which ship or line, are totally subjective. Some people seem to have extremely high expectations for service while others are just more "accepting" While I do read the reviews, most time I take the criticism with a grain of salt. Can't wait to experience Royal Princess in Feb of 2015.

Same hold true for me as far as the auto tipping/gratuity program for the staff. I WILL AND DO adjust it based on service I receive.